– Zone Honours Outstanding Members, Inaugurates New Executives
By Nna Anulumadu
The Catholic Charismatic Renewal of Nigeria (CCRN), Will of God Community, Fegge Zone, Archdiocese of Onitsha, recently celebrated its Golden Jubilee anniversary in a colourful and spirit-filled ceremony.The epoch-making event, which took place at Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Fegge, marked 50 years of existence of the Renewal in the Zone. It attracted priests, past and present leaders of the Renewal, members from all prayer groups within Fegge Zone and friends of the CCRN.
The celebration, which began with a Holy Mass, was an atmosphere of thanksgiving to God for His faithfulness, growth and sustenance of the Renewal over the past five decades. The homilist, Very Rev. Fr. Barr. Edwin Ezeoke, charged members to remain steadfast in their charismatic spirituality, evangelization and service to the Church.
The Onitsha Archdiocesan Chaplain, Very Rev. Fr. Samson Ogbuebuna, in his speech, encouraged members to be inspired by the struggles and sacrifices of the founders of the CCRN Fegge Zone and to take the Renewal to the next 50 years.
One of the highpoints of the celebration was the presentation of merit awards to outstanding members who have contributed immensely to the growth, survival and vibrancy of the organization in the Zone from inception till date. The awardees were recognized for their sacrifices, commitment, selfless service and financial support to the Renewal.
In his address, the Coordinator of Fegge Zone highlighted their achievements, including the establishment of CCRN communities in various parishes within the Zone and beyond, adding that they have taken the Renewal to other dioceses. The Zone solicited funds to secure land for erecting a secretariat and retreat centre and to purchase new buses for evangelization, calling on philanthropists and men of goodwill to support the project.
The event also witnessed the official handover ceremony as new executive members took over the mantle of leadership from the past officers. The new executives were inaugurated and prayed for, with a charge to uphold the tenets of the Renewal and take it to greater heights.
A former coordinator in the Zone, Bernard Eze, urged members to remain committed to their spiritual activities so that the fire of faith burning in their lives will not be quenched.
The new Chairman of the Zone, Bro. Ifeanyi Emeje, in his acceptance speech, promised to build on the solid foundation laid by his predecessors and solicited the cooperation of all members to move the Renewal forward. He noted that CCRN has helped Christians to serve God better and love one another.
Also, the Secretary General of the Zone, Bro. Nelson Chima Onyikwa, expressed great satisfaction over the event, reminding fellow members that Golden Jubilee is a time of reconciliation, liberation, unity, peace and renewal.
In his speech, the Planning Committee Chairman of the Jubilee, Bro. Nick Okonkwo, thanked God for the journey so far and appreciated the former and current chaplains, awardees and all members for their cooperation and huge support that made the ceremony a success.
Some of the awardees, including Mrs. Nneoma Cecilia Onyike, Chief Augustine Ibeme, Sir Eugene Nwankwo and Sir Timothy Ezeonu, in their separate remarks, commended the Zone for recognizing their sacrifices, stating that the award will encourage them to be more committed in their service as they strive for heaven.
